In its 10th year, Fort Collins' local music showcase FoCoMX is gearing up for another serious Old Town takeover — and we're here to help you navigate it all.

“This year we did go a little bit big," FoCoMX booking committee member Peggy Lyle admits, pointing to the more than 360 musicians, performers and comedians set to descend on 33 Fort Collins venues on Friday and Saturday.

“We had over 1,200 submissions (from artists) and were only able to accept 360," Lyle said. "So there are just so many interesting new talents and age-old favorites.”

Wristbands, which can be purchased now online or in-person, give FoCoMX-goers access to the hundreds of shows that pop up in a variety of venues, from traditional spots to coffee shops to a museum.

First, get your wristband

Wristbands are $35 and available for purchase online at focomx.focoma.org or in-person at Rock N' Robin's, 804 S. College Ave. Wristbands purchased online can be picked up at will call, located at Art Lab, 239 Linden St., from noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Then, if you're in it for an experience, try ...

Any shows at the museum's OtterBox Digital Dome

When: Various times

The digital dome is one of FoCoMX's most unique venues, with a 35-foot-diameter dome screen that allows for neat light and laser shows to go along with music performances. Try the HYZENBORG one man laser bass show at 7:15 p.m. Friday or, for a different vibe, catch ANIMAL/object and their improvisational electro-acoustic style at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Sound Off Silent Disco in Old Town Square

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

This year, FoCoMX is moving the fun to the Square, with two "silent discos." Here's how it works: Each night, starting at 6 p.m., a DJ will be set up in the Square. FoCoMX wristband holders can borrow special headphones that will let them hear the DJ's music, allowing them to be part of an exclusive, "silent" disco under the stars.

A good old-fashioned barn dance

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Everyday Joe's Coffee House

For the second year, the Central Rockies Old-time Music Association (CROMA) is bringing a barn dance to FoCoMX. Not a pro? That's OK. Besides providing the boot-stomping music, CROMA will have someone to walk you through the steps and call out the dances. Bring a partner or come on your own for this unexpected local music experience.

Jello Biafra's Incredibly Strange Dance Party

When: 11:45 p.m. Saturday

Where: Downtown Artery, 254 Linden St.

The name says it all with this one. Jello Biafra, of Dead Kennedys fame, will be at the Downtown Artery following a keynote conversation earlier that night. Later, the vocalist and proponent for free speech will lead his, well, incredibly strange dance party.

If you're making it a family affair, try ...

Shows at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

When: Various times

This year, FoCoMX shows will expand in the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery's "garage" space, with children's sing-along offerings and music nonprofit Little Kids Rock camping out in the space on Saturday. The best part? During the showcase, a FoCoMX wristband grants you access to the museum's exhibits.

CLOSE

A taste of last year's FoCoMX. The Fort Collins music showcase returns this weekend.
Erin Udell

If you're overwhelmed with the options, try a little bit of everything with ...

King Cardinal (folk)

When: 9:45 p.m. Friday

Where: Washington's, 132 Laporte Ave. (21+ venue)

The Patti Fiasco (rock and roll)

When: 11 p.m. Friday

Where: Washington's

Brent Cowles (rock-pop)

When: 12 a.m. Friday

Where: Aggie Theatre, 204 S. College Ave. (all ages)

Cary Morin (singer-songwriter)

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Avogadro's Number, 605 S. Mason St.

Qbala (hip hop)

When: 7:15 p.m. Saturday

Where: Washington's

Skydyed (electronic/DJ)

When: 12 a.m. Saturday

Where: Aggie Theatre

If you're all about location, location, location ...

In its 10th year, FoCoMX has grown to span 33 venues. While that includes some of Fort Collins' favorite traditional music venues, try a handful of new ones added into the mix this year. They include:

Boasting its marquee-lit, velvet couch, old school vibe, Magic Rat Live Music — located inside The Elizabeth Hotel — is offering up a unique singer-songwriter experience this FoCoMX. Calling it "singer-songwriter in the round," it will allow multiple singer-songwriters to share the Magic Rat stage for intimate, collaborative performances between Maxwell Hughes, Edison's Sarah Slaton, Whippoorwill and more.

New Belgium Brewing, 500 Linden St.

There's nothing like FoCoMX in the fresh air. This year, New Belgium will be hosting performances in both its tasting room and outdoor space. The outdoor afternoon and early evening shows feature Loud Mary, Nightlove, Michael Kirkpatrick and The Honey Rider Band and more.